Writing in the USC Center on Public Diplomacy CPD Blog, former Voice of America (VOA) senior correspondent Dan Robinson says there is a risk that some of the recent moves by Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) new CEO John Lansing and new VOA director Amanda Bennett are “aimed at achieving a whitewash designed to persuade lawmakers to indefinitely postpone sweeping and effective congressionally-mandated structural changes.”

Dan Robinson has renewed his call for establishing a permanent journalistic ombudsman for VOA.

The long-range interests of the United States are served by communicating directly with the peoples of the world by radio. To be effective, the Voice of America must win the attention and respect of listeners. These principles will therefore govern Voice of America (VOA) broadcasts:

1. VOA will serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news. VOA news will be accurate, objective, and comprehensive.

2. VOA will represent America, not any single segment of American society, and will therefore present a balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought and institutions.

3. VOA will present the policies of the United States clearly and effectively, and will also present responsible discussions and opinion on these policies.

Gerald R. Ford

President of the United States of America

Signed July 12, 1976

Public Law 94-350

Violations of VOA Charter

In 2016, the Voice of America posted one-sided attacks on Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders in violation of the VOA Charter.